Helping hand for Wallace Theatre renovation project
United Supermarkets team members joined representatives from The Wallace Theater Thursday morning for a check presentation event under the historic Wallace Theater marquee.
Levelland United Supermarket Store Director Kris Phillips and United Supermarket President Sidney Hopper opened the ceremony with a welcome to attendees and the reason behind the donation.
“We couldn’t be more thrilled to contribute to this project and this community,” said Hopper. “When the Wallace Board of Directors shared their vision for what this place [The Wallace] could be, we knew we had to be a part of it. The Levelland community is a special place and, once finished, we hope this theater will inspire a whole new generation with its special experiences.”
Hopper and Phillips presented a check in the amount of $100,000 to Alycyn Keeling, executive director of The Wallace Theater and Tania Moody, board president of The Wallace.
The Wallace Theater is a non-profit organization established in 2015 to renovate and restore the historic theater and serve the community through arts, cultural and educational experiences.
Keeling expressed her gratitude at the ceremony. “Thank you, United Supermarkets! When I think about United Supermarkets, I think of home and community,” said Keeling. “I am greeted at the register by students who have attended Wallace experiences and participated in our classes. I see friends and neighbors in the store and am reminded of how fortunate we are to live in a community that cares so much for one another.”
At United, Keeling knows there is always a friendly face willing to help, someone to have a conversation with and carry her groceries out, and a store that will meet her needs.
“I am honored to have United Supermarkets as a partner in supporting our renovations that will enable The Wallace to better serve our mission of ‘“Creating Experiences that Entertain, Inspire, and Empower,”’ said Keeling.
Moody gave her praise to United Supermarket stating, “I can’t imagine a bigger honor than being able to say the United Foundation believes in the Wallace Theater!”
With United Supermarkets focusing on community and providing opportunities, Keeling feels this is perfectly in line with the boards vision.
We are so grateful and so blessed to have them as partners,” said Keeling.
The Wallace Theater was built in 1928. For nearly a century, The Wallace has stood as a cornerstone of Downtown Levelland and has been revived as a hub for community events, entertainment, and the arts in Hockley County.
The Wallace’s mission of “Creating Experiences that Entertain, Inspire, and Empower!” programs include: field trips, concerts, outstanding live theatrical productions, educational film events, art shows, summer camps incorporating science, technology, engineering, theatre arts and math.
The Wallace Theater excels in creating and developing new programs to serve the community.
Each program is evaluated on how well it serves patrons, how it can be expanded or improved, and the value it provides to the community.
“With this donation, United Supermarkets continues to set the tone for how businesses should support community,” said Nicole Campbell, Wallace Board member and General Manager, Smith Auto Family of Levelland. “United Supermarkets is an invaluable resource to our area, simply by providing excellent goods and services. The cherry on top is the way United goes above and beyond to contribute to the long-term success of a community.”
The non-profit organization established in 2015, is on a mission to renovate and restore the historic theater to its former glory.
“We are incredibly grateful to be the recipient of United’s generosity and look forward to working hand in hand for positive impact,” said Campbell.
The donation from United Supermarkets is meant to help them complete that mission.
“The Wallace is honored to have United’s support and name on our concession stand to serve all of our patrons attending our experiences,” said Keeling. “Through cultural, educational, and entertainment experiences and activities, The Wallace will seek to serve the community with the same care and consideration as United Family Team members. The Wallace wants to thank all of the staff and employees of United Supermarkets in Levelland and the leadership of The United Family for their support of The Wallace.”
The event concluded with refreshments and tours of the theater.
The Wallace Board of Directors include: Tania Moody, president, Main Street Manager, City of Levelland and owner of KLVT Radio; Denver Bruner, vice-president and project manager, Sodexo/Altru; Sarah Osburn, treasurer and director of finance, City of Levelland; Lorie Marquez, secretary and City Appraiser, Hockley County Appraisal District; Nicole Campbell,GeneralManager,Smith Auto Family of Levelland; Michelle Pearson, Ph.D, Associate Professor Design, Program Director, Interior Design Texas Tech University; Kris Phillips, store manager, United Supermarket of Levelland; Randal Ramirez, theatre arts instructor of Sundown, ISD; Meg Slater, business manager, Ballet Lubbock; Trey Saldana, market president, First Capital Bank of Texas; Joe Tubb, retired athletic director, South Plains College and Member Board of Regents, South Plains College; and Iris Keeling, exofficio, owner, George R. Keeling Insurance Agency LLC and retired instructor, South Plains College.
The Wallace Theater staff members include: Alycyn Keeling, executive director; Anna Hogan, artistic director; and Tina Wiiest, business manager; and Wallace advisors are: Dean Loehr with Dean V. Loehr & Associates; and Steven D. Wright, first vicepresident, senior consultant with Bradley, Pittman, & Wright.